Arizona governor candidates split on key issues

The crowd listens during a forum for Arizona gubernatorial candidates powered by The Republic and the Arizona We Want Institute at the Phoenix Convention Center on June 6, 2014.(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

With less than two months until early voting begins for the Aug. 26 primary election, Arizona's gubernatorial candidates are working to distinguish themselves.

Nine candidates participated Friday in a forum hosted by The Arizona We Want Institute. Each was given 15 minutes to answer questions related to education, job creation, environmental issues, infrastructure, healthcare and youth.

Lattie Coor, chairman of the Center for the Future of Arizona, kicked off the forum by saying the next Arizona governor must "change the image of Arizona on late-night television."

Moderator Brahm Resnik, (left) an anchor with 12 News, speaks with Arizona gubernatorial candidates during a forum hosted by The Republic and the Arizona We Want Institute at the Phoenix Convention Center on June 6, 2014. (Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

Don Smith, chairman of the Arizona We Want Institute Board of Advisors, takes the stage for opening remarks before the forum for Arizona gubernatorial candidates at the Phoenix Convention Center on June 6, 2014. (Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

The crowd listens during a forum for Arizona gubernatorial candidates powered by The Republic and the Arizona We Want Institute at the Phoenix Convention Center on June 6, 2014. (Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

Former U.S. Congressman Frank Riggs, (right), a gubernatorial candidate for Arizona, shakes hands with moderator Brahm Resnik, an anchor with 12 News, during a forum at the Phoenix Convention Center on June 6, 2014. (Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

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Most of the candidates said Arizona has work to do in improving its national reputation, particularly in the face of the international attention from controversial issues such as the immigration law Senate Bill 1070 and the vetoed religion bill Senate Bill 1062.

"It has created a perception that we have moved towards a segregated society in Arizona," Riggs said. "Responsible leadership uses careful rhetoric, careful language, not inflammatory language. We are all Americans and I think we are losing sight of that."

DuVal called such legislation a "terrible impediment" to attracting and keeping young talent in Arizona. "We've got to put out a welcome mat, not a stop sign," he said

Melvin disagreed it has hurt Arizona.

"We are viewed as a pro-business state," he said. "I don't believe this rhetoric that some have pushed in the media and on the left."

The candidates offered a variety of suggestions for improving education, agreeing changes need to be made.

Bennett said he opposes the Common Core education standards, but believes Arizona needs to have high standards, particularly in the areas of reading, writing and math. He said he would boost education funding by growing the economy and putting more of that added revenue in to K-12 education.

"I want to fix the education system," Bennett said. "I want to be first in the country in education in four years, first in the world in eight."

Smith said he'll support the Common Core standards already implemented, but would closely monitor how they are working in the classroom.

"There should be local control in adapting the curriculum," he said.

He said the state needs to look at investing not just more money in education, but also improving the human resources, giving teachers more flexibility in the classroom.

Riggs and Melvin said they want to develop more of a voucher system, allowing students to take the money allocated for their education and use it in the school setting of their choice.

Jones wondered if each of the state's more than 200 school districts all need separate contracts for trash or cleaning. She said there are also money-saving technology that can be considered.

"If we can't consolidate districts, let's pull out places where we are spending inefficiently," she said.

Ducey said the state should focus funding on programs that are succeeding, citing the large waiting lists at desired charter schools like Basis.

"Our funding formulas were written in the early 1980s," he said. "Fund and resource what works and stop funding stuff that isn't working."

DuVal supports Common Core standards and said Arizona needs to invest more in education.

Hess said Arizona needs to limits the size of government, including education. He said it should focus the smaller amounts on distance or online learning.

"Distance learning is the most effective way for a child to learn," he said. "We are doing too much to educate them for every single possible income and employment opportunity they could have. We should reduce education down to the basics and increase their critical thinking skills."